Your browser's Javascript functionality is turned off. Please turn it on so that you can experience the full capabilities of this site.

How Resolutions Are Attained Through Healthy Sleep

New Year Resolution, A Modern Tradition

New Year’s resolutions are so popular that they have become a modern tradition. These decisions to change for the better, as any New Year’s resolution is bound to be, usually include getting healthy, reducing stress, and losing weight. All are admirable considering that health is, indeed, wealth.

Why New Year’s Resolutions Are Important

New Year’s resolutions are important in many ways for men and women of all ages. Your decision to become a healthier person means that you are taking full responsibility for your mind and body.

You will be enjoying better sleep, lifestyle habits and diet; all of which are essential to having a good quality of life. Keep in mind that your best New Year’s resolution is to become a wealthier individual in terms of your health.

Again, your best first step is to get sufficient sleep! Sleep affects several areas of your life; including your metabolism and weight, learning and memory skills, cardiovascular health and resistance against diseases, and your mood. Suffice it to say that not getting enough sleep at night will adversely affect your ability to function well during the day.

How to Sleep Well

Fortunately, there are many effective ways to getting enough quality sleep. None requires spending a lot of money except perhaps on investments in excellent bedding like a good mattress with a couple good pillows, blankets and comforters. Getting healthy has never been easier considering that you will enjoy sleeping like a baby!

Ensure that your bed including your pillows, comforters and blanket promote sleep. Look for a mattress that provides support for your pressure points. Find pillows that are soft to the touch yet provide good support for your head and neck. Blankets and comforters should be sufficiently cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Check that lights and noises are kept to a minimum while the room’s temperature is between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit, or whatever temperature is comfortable for you.

Maintain a regular sleeping schedule. Wake up at the same time each day even on the weekends so that your body becomes accustomed to the rhythm.

Limit your activities in bed. Your bed and bedroom should not be used as a movie theater or second office.

Avoid the consumption of stimulants, like nicotine or caffeine, or a depressant, like alcohol, a few hours before bedtime.

Avoid eating and drinking right before going to bed.

Exercise regularly. Physical activity during the day improves sleep duration and quality. Avoid heavy exercise a few hours before bedtime since this could interrupt your circadian rhythm and you will not sleep as soundly.

Getting Healthy Requires a Good Night of Sleep

Indeed, getting healthy starts with getting a good night of sleep every night! Studies have shown that sleep affects many areas of health including:

Sleep aids the brain in committing new information to its memory bank in a process known as memory consolidation. In turn, learning is improved.

Chronic sleep deprivation increases the risks for weight gain by affecting the way the body processes and stores carbohydrates as well as changing the hormones affecting appetite.

Chronic degenerative diseases like hypertension and cancer have been linked to chronic sleep deprivation.

Your best New Year’s resolution for 2014 and the coming years is to get enough sleep and start getting healthy!